“The latest safer cars for India results show how important it is for cars to have a body shell that can remain stable in a crash. This is an absolutely crucial pre-requisite for occupant safety together with fitment at least of front air bags”, says David Ward, the security general of Global NCAP.

It is very surprising that a manufacturer like Renault introduced the Kwid initially lacking this essential feature. Global NCAP strongly believes that no manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly sub-standard. Car makers must ensure that their new models pass the UN’s minimum crash test regulations and support use of an airbag,” he added.

NCAP that conducts regular car crash tests in Europe has conducted an independent crash test for the first time in India. The test was conducted on some of India’s best-selling cars – the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Tata Nano, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10 and the Volkswagen Polo. All of these cars were entry level versions and hence did not come with airbags, which proved to be a disadvantage.

NCAP also tested the cars in crash stimulation according to the UN standards and none of them was able to score a single star.

When the manufactures of the respective companies were asked to comment upon the same, Renault India said, “As a customer-focused company, Renault fully supports this initiative and we are already future-ready in terms of technology, design and engineering for enhanced safety for all our vehicles. Indian Government has announced that the crash test regulation for the existing cars will come into effect in 2019 and for the new cars in 2017. Renault is committed to comply with these timelines.”

Maruti has reacted thus:

Maruti Suzuki says its products are safe and meet the safety standards of India and in most cases exceed them